2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, now with a more robust and industrial look. The exterior featured deep beveled creases on the side body panels, blending seamlessly with the flared wheel arches, giving the SUV a broad-shouldered stance suitable for off-road adventures. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window, while the sliding rear window facilitated easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Tacoma pickup truck, with a beveled styling motif throughout the cabin. The interior was both purposeful and comfortable, with hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The CX-90's exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. Its sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang and long hood contributed to an athletic look. Inside, the CX-90 featured an elegantly designed interior with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear. However, the ergonomics were less than ideal, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these issues, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The entry-level trims came with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised better acceleration and fuel economy than the previous generation's V6. In Canada, part-time 4WD was standard, with full-time 4WD available in the Limited and Platinum packages. The Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain, based on the same four-cylinder engine, combined with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivered 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid variant was more about power than fuel efficiency, offering strong performance at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling improved significantly, with reduced nosedive and body roll, making it more composed on pavement. Off-road capabilities remained impressive, with eight distinct packages offering varying levels of off-road prowess. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, with approach angles ranging from 18 to 33 degrees, departure angles from 22 to 24 degrees, and ground clearance between 20.5 and 25.6 centimetres.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine, producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in standard-output models. The high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, or 340 hp with premium gas. Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, with a rear-wheel bias for better dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The plug-in hybrid variant provided 42 kilometres of electric range and a combined fuel economy rating of 9.4 L/100 km. While the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour. The vehicle also suffered from noise and impact harshness, detracting from the upscale impression created by its styling and interior. Despite these flaws, the CX-90 remained a dynamic family hauler, with a firm suspension that provided excellent road feedback.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was nearly 13 centimetres longer than its predecessor, with a 6-centimetre increase between the axles. This longer wheelbase offered minimal passenger space gains, with ample room for taller passengers in the front seats but only adequate legroom in the middle row. The third row, available on non-hybrid models, was cramped, with cushions mounted to the floor, making it suitable only for short trips or small children. The cockpit was well-organized, with logically placed controls, oversized climate control knobs, and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. Storage options included slatted door pockets, a dashboard tray, cupholders, and a centre armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 1,371 litres behind the second row, reduced to 1,206 litres in the Hybrid due to the raised floor. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits, supporting a static load of 360 kilograms.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Signature trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults on longer trips. Storage was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the centre armrest, and minimal door panel storage. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 451 litres of cargo space behind the third row, increasing to 1,155 litres with the third row folded and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens offered logical menus and quick responses, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital instrument panel was standard on Hybrid variants and available on gas models. Off-road models included external camera views for precise tire placement, with automatic activation when the vehicle slowed to a crawl. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system was available, along with a portable centre speaker that doubled as a Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were possible through a smartphone app, with a digital key function replacing the key fob.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring a centre console knob and buttons. The voice recognition system was subpar, but a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with essential data. The blind-spot monitoring system added an extra layer of safety, though the audible warning systems could be overwhelming.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. All 4Runner models came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. The Proactive Driving Assist feature could be disabled if too intrusive. In Canada, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The CX-90 PHEV earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover resistance rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, a safe exit warning system, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids met expectations, though the audible warning systems could be excessive.